The Dominican Republic isn’t the only destination dealing with a spike in publicized tourist deaths.
It’s been a month since Costa Rica put out a national alert warning residents and visitors of 19 deaths caused by counterfeit alcohol — and now that death toll has risen to 25.
59 people in total have been affected by the tainted drinks.
via Complex:
A press release from the Ministry of Health’s website stated that 19 men and six women, with ages ranging from 32 to 72, have died due to alcohol poisoning since June. An earlier list of brands to avoid: Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Aguardiente Estrella, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka and Molotov Aguardiente. But now a newer list says that: Guaro Chonete, Guaro Cuerazo, Guaro Sacheto, Red Star Brandy, Brandy Red Barnacle, Brandy Timbuka and Brandy Molotov may have also been affected (and should therefore be avoided).
In response to the outbreak, the Ministry of Health has shut down 10 establishments and seized over 55,000 containers of alcohol (up from 30,000 in July) that they believe to be laced with methanol, which is found in antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid. Yahoo News (citing SafeProof, an organization that tries to combat counterfeit alcohol) says that adding methanol to distilled beverages can increase volume and potency.
Safeproof adds that ingesting a small amount can be lethal. As for symptoms from methanol poisoning, some of the more severe ones include: headaches, dizziness, blindness, and death.
If you’re traveling abroad in the near future, be safe. Pay attention to what you drink.
